10 Best Wired Earbuds

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Are you shopping for wired earbuds, but with the overwhelming options aren’t sure where to look? In this buyer’s guide you’ll find the best earbuds that marketplace has to offer across 3 price categories. We have done the legwork on your behalf so that you don’t have to spend time researching the best options.

Choosing earbuds can be difficult if you’re not clued up on the latest technologies. With that in mind, we have created a buying consideration section where we go over the factors that must be considered. This includes durability, audio quality, comfort, brand, and microphone. Take the time to consider each of these features in turn to figure out which earbuds will truly meet your requirements.

We had a great time writing this buyer’s guide and hope you have just as much fun reading. With the quality of the wired earbuds packed in here we are confident you’ll find an option that’s suitable for your needs. Don’t forget to read the buying consideration section to understand the features that are most important to you.

Top 10 Wired Earbuds by Price:

Buying considerations

Comfort

Wired earbuds aren’t the most comfortable because wireless options provide better freedom of movement. However, the there are certain aspects that you can take a look at with regards to wired earbuds to evaluate the comfort. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Weight: The majority of wired earbuds have a relatively low weight, but some are ultra-light weight. When putting in these earbuds you’ll quickly forget that they are even there.

Controls on the wire: It is annoying having to reach for your smartphone when you want to adjust the volume or answer a call. However, when there are sufficient controls on the wire you do not have to.

Eartips: Plenty of eartips should be offered to give you freedom of choice to find the right size. The majority of brands offer at least 3 sizes, but it helps when 6 sizes are offered. Furthermore, it’s desirable when a selection of eartip materials is offered to give you the choice to find the right one for your preferences.

Durability

Wired earbuds have a number of weak points that must be considered with regards to durability. The cable can come loose if you bend it a lot, which leads to poor audio quality that keeps disconnecting. This can also occur when you pull on the wire in a way that overextends it at either end.

The quality of the casing that houses the audio drivers should also be considered as it determines the longevity of the audio quality. Your earbuds will probably take a few knocks during their lifetime and the casing quality determines how well the unit can absorb damage.

Furthermore, take a look at the warranty information to determine how much faith the manufacturer has in their earbuds. A lengthy warranty that covers many damage types means you can rely on an end product that will stand the test of time – if not then you can get a replacement unit.

Audio quality

Wired earbuds tend to deliver better audio quality compared with the wireless counterparts. That’s because a higher quality audio signal can travel along the wire when compared with Bluetooth. Here are some of the top things to consider when evaluating audio quality:

Audio drivers: Pay attention to the audio driver implementation because this is the physical unit that’s responsible for delivering the audio experience. The size of the audio drivers and the materials used is important. Read the product description to see if there are notable points with regards to the audio driver implementation.

Noise isolation: Earbuds that focus on noise isolation are preferable as it leads to better overall audio quality in noisy environments. The in-ear design of earbuds naturally provides a certain degree of noise isolation. However, some models give you a good choice of eartips to create a better seal.

Frequency response: The frequency response indicates the depth of audio you can expect across the low, mids, and highs. A wider range is desirable but it shouldn’t be the only variable you pay attention to.

Brand

The brand determines the type of quality you can expect from wired earbuds. In this buyer’s guide you’ll notice some of the more popular brands like Sony and Sennheiser, but there are also a few that you may have never come across before. Therefore, you should take the time to do some background research in order to figure out what you’ll be letting yourself in for.

The brand determines the kind of customer service you can expect. Some brands take good care of their customers by responding quickly and honoring any warranty deals that are in place. Also brands tend to have signature features like added bass or a certain type of cable. Pay attention to these as it can help you decide between wired earbuds that offer comparable quality.

Microphone

You’ll notice that a few of the earbuds in this buyer’s guide come with a microphone and in-line controls that allow you to accept calls. This is convenient when you do not want to reach for your smartphone every single time you receive a call. Also the ability to handle calls in a hands-free manner is convenient when you are driving or jogging.

However, do not expect earbud microphones to be of excellent quality. They are good enough for a clear call, but not comparable to telephone headsets that have a noise canceling element.

Top Wired Earbuds Under $50

In the under $50 price category you’ll notice some of the best offerings if you’re on a budget. You’ll be surprised with the level of quality that can be received at dirt cheap prices. Expect enjoyable music, a good fit, and a serviceable microphone. However, the overall audio quality is not comparable with the more expensive price categories in this buyer’s guide.

These Sony earbuds are highly rated in the marketplace for the value that’s provided at the budget end of the scale. You’ll enjoy the combination of competitive audio drivers, good quality microphone, and lightweight design. These are also surprisingly durable given the low price so you won’t have to replace them anytime soon.

The 12 mm dome type driver units deliver powerful deep bass that’s rare at this price. You can enjoy bass boosted music like rap, dance, and rock. The audio drivers are protected by a solid casing that can take a knock before damage will be a problem.

Additionally, the 4-24,000Hz frequency response allows for clean audio that can be appreciated by buyers on a budget. However, don’t expect the overall audio quality to be competitive with the higher priced earbuds in this buyer’s guide.

The 120cm flat tangle free cord is convenient when traveling. It’s short enough to be hidden under clothing and the tangle-free nature means you don’t have to worry about constantly untangling them before every use.

The low price of these Sony earbuds means you can’t be too harsh on them, but a few of the disadvantages must be taken into account before purchase. Firstly, the control scheme is mediocre at best because you’ll feel an element of fidgeting. Also the strong bass can be overwhelming for buyers that are looking for something simpler.

Overall, the Sony MDRXB50AP earbuds offer a nice mix of value and audio quality that’s hard to beat. The combination of the 12mm audio drivers, tangle-free cable, and good quality mic means you’re getting a lot of your money.

The Marsno M2 earbuds are priced at the bottom end of the scale, but have a surprising array of features. It’s an example of how far the budget audio industry has come in recent years. Features that you could only have at higher price brackets can now be enjoyed at dirt cheap prices.

A comfortable oblique angle is implemented that allows for a comfortable fit that’s design to insert into your ear canals like a glove. 5 eartip sizes are included, which is a nice touch because it’s above the industry average of 3.

Powerful audio drivers are implemented that have been designed to pump out strong bass. Therefore, if you aren’t into bass enhanced music then perhaps it’s best to pass up on these earbuds.

Additionally, you can enjoy intelligent in-line controls that allow you to take calls, select songs, and adjust the volume. The buttons aren’t the most durable or premium feeling, but they get the job done in a productive manner.

To summarize, the Marsno M2 earbuds are a good choice for a budget buyer that’s looking for excellent value. The in-hand feel of these earbuds would have you think they are considerably more expensive. However, don’t expect amazing audio here as the audio drivers don’t have the detail comparable with higher priced earbuds.

Are you in the market for a pair of earbuds that has a dirt cheap price but offers enough value for an enjoyable experience? Then you’ll be surprised by how much quality is packed into the Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds at under $10. They come in a choice of colors, which includes black, blue, green, orang, pink, purple, red, silver, and gold. Therefore, you have the freedom to choose the option that best matches your style.

The ErgoFit design of these Panasonic earbuds offer long lasting comfort that is hard to find at the very low end of the earbud marketplace. You’ll feel like wearing these on a daily basis will not be a cumbersome experience. However, the fit might not be secure enough to use these for sports and going to the gym.

The cord length of 110cm hits the sweet spot of not being too long, but long enough to provide convenience. Therefore, you can easily hide the wire under your clothing when using these while traveling. Overall, the materials used for these Panasonic earbuds aren’t the most durable, but that’s to be expected at this price.

You can also choose to add a mic to the earbuds at a slightly higher price. Adding the microphone is a good idea if you plan on taking calls regularly in a hands-free manner. This means you don’t have to hold the microphone up to your ear when you need your hands.

To summarize, you’ll love the Panasonic ErgoFit if you want a low price, choice of colors, and a below average length cable cord. The frequency range of 20-20KHz ensures you get decent balanced across all music genres.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.14 Ounces

Cable length: 110cm

Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz

The Pros

Low weight

Choice of color

Very low price

The Cons

Durability can be a problem

Top Wired Earbuds Under $200

The sweet spot for value for money can be found in this category. The rich selection of earbuds here offers good durability, amazing audio quality, and innovation. The brands are also well-respected as you can buy from the likes of Sennheiser and RHA.

Take the time to read the features carefully as that’s what will help you select between similar models. All of these units are competitively priced so you can’t go wrong by investing in any of these earbuds.

The Hi-Res audio of the RHA T20 IEMs offers value for money if you’re looking for exceptional audio. The combination of the comfortable fit, high quality cable, and dynamic audio drivers means you’re getting a powerful punch in the wired earbud marketplace.

Custom sound signatures with strong bass can be experienced that brings out the best of genres like rock, rap, and dance music. You can turn the bass feature on to hear more bass or turn it off for a more relaxed audio format.

A fully mountable over-ear hook is available that optimizes the listening experience by increasing the noise isolation. The ear hooks also keeps the earbuds securely in place, which means you can confidently move your head without fear that the RHA T20 IEMs earbuds will come loose. The housing of the earbuds is also ergonomically designed since they contour to the ears.

The housing of the earbuds makes use of an injected stainless steel mould that adds a lot to the durability. Therefore, you can drop these earbuds several times without fear that the audio drivers will break. The steel also gives the earbuds a premium feel that is typically lacking in the earbud marketplace.

The RHA T20 IEMs earbuds are a sizeable investment that requires some scrutiny to figure out if there is enough value here. When you turn the bass feature on it can be too powerful for those not used to bass. Also the soundstage is above average, which means you can find competitors that do it better at this price range.

To summarize, the execution of the RHA T20 IEMs earbuds means there is a lot of food for thought. You’ll love these earbuds if you want durability, a premium feel, Hi-Res audio, and a secure fit. However, they come at a premium price so you’ll need to see if the investment is worth it given the features implemented.

The 1MORE Triple Driver Are highly rated earbuds that are packed full of technology at an affordable price. The execution of the practicality, functionality, and ergonomics means you’ll love using these on a daily basis. They are ideal for all types of music due to the balanced soundscape. Read onwards to learn more about the variety of features that you can expect from these earbuds.

The in-line remote is conveniently located along the wire that has plenty of controls. You can skip songs, adjust the volume, and active the mic when taking calls. The microphone is well crafted to eliminate cross-talk and background static. Therefore, you’ll experience higher quality calls compared to the majority of earbuds in this price bracket.

The ergonomic design means you’ll instantly feel like wearing these earbuds is comfortable – just make sure to find the right eartip size for your ears. The cord length is a comfortable 125cm and the weight is 18g. Overall, it’s a refined design that contributes to long lasting comfort on a daily basis.

Before adding the 1MORE Triple Driver earbuds to the shopping cart consider a few downsides to have a balanced overview. The rubber cable tends to catch on itself, which leads to tangling. Also the remote control has a cheap plastic feel that might also be a durability issue down the line.

To conclude, the 1MORE Triple Driver earbuds deliver excellent performance at an affordable price. You’ll love these earbuds if you want finely tuned audio drivers, comfort, a good mic, and competitive pricing.

The FiiO F9 has a well-implemented design as the attention to detail is through the roof. The over-ear wearing experience is comfortable, which means you can use these for hours without feeling that the fit is cumbersome. You’ll enjoy the combination of the strong audio drivers, decent price, and durability.

The 9.2mm dynamic audio drivers are designed to produce strong bass and extended upper mids/highs. Therefore, the audio sounds balanced and you’ll enjoy any type of music genre. You’ll find yourself rocking to your favorite tunes more visibly in public than you’d like.

The frequency response of 15-40KHz is competitive at this price and the maximum decibel level of 106 is great too. However, take care not to enjoy music at the upper decibel levels for too longer as it can damage the ears.

The premium use of materials means you’ll love wearing these for extended periods of time on a daily basis. The cord length is a decent 120cm and the cable can be detached from the earbuds. Therefore, you can exchange the cable for another one once it has worn out. This allows you to extend the life of the earbuds without having to buy a new pair.

The FiiO F9 earbuds have plenty of positives, but you should also take the time to consider a few of the drawbacks. These earbuds are designed for bass lovers, so if you aren’t it could be a problem. Visually the design is rather bland and the earbuds are minimalist. Therefore, if you are looking for a more visual style then you’ll have to look elsewhere.

To summarize, the FiiO F9 earbuds are a great choice for the durability, great fit, and excellent audio quality. The bass is strong and the mids/highs accurate so you’ll enjoy all music genres. The brand name is not among the most popular in the audio marketplace, but that shouldn’t put you off from giving these some strong consideration.

Sennheiser is a highly reputable brand that offers highly rated headphones and earbuds in the audio marketplace. The HD 1 has a minimalist design that comes at an affordable price. They can be used for traveling and come in two version, Android and iOS.

The in-line remote allows you to control the volume, but doesn’t have added functionality such as the ability to skip tracks. The cord quality is durable, but it’s prone to getting tangled more readily than most.

The high quality dynamic transducers deliver balanced audio that will impress the budget buyers that are looking for a great deal. Sennheiser is known for the execution of the audio above all else and the HD1 doesn’t disappoint in this department. The frequency response of 15-22KHz is great and the low harmonic distortion means you can expect clean audio.

The earbuds are comfortable to wear due to the good quality rubber tips. However the eartips tend to come off more easily than you’d like which means you need to be careful not to lose them. The cable length is 130cm and there is a serviceable microphone that can be used to take calls in a hands-free manner.

There are a few drawbacks that must be considered before proceeding with the purchase. Firstly, the bass is quite strong so you’ll need to get used to it if you’ve never had bass heavy earbuds. The mids can also be improved so provide more impact and clarity across the frequency range.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD1 earbuds provide a nice mix of audio quality and affordable cost. You’ll enjoy the combination of the durability, choice of rubber eartips, and trusted brand name. However, if you’re looking for audiophile grade audio then you’ll need to take a peek at the higher priced category in this buyer’s guide.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.56 Ounces

Cable length: 130cm

Frequency range: 15-22,000 Hz

The Pros

Trusted brand name

Durable cable

Balanced audio

The Cons

Mids could be improved

Top Wired Earbuds Under $500

Do you have a big budget and are looking for the best wired earbuds that money can buy? Then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the sheer quality that’s available in this price category. Audiophile grade audio can be enjoyed that offers something truly unique with pioneering technologies.

Advanced audio drivers will be enjoyed here that contribute to a sophisticated level of audio. However, since these are pricey earbuds you need to give them higher levels of scrutiny.

Do you have a big budget and are looking for industry leading performance? Then you’ll appreciate what the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi earbuds bring to the table. The combination of awesome audio, an ergonomic fit, and premium components means you’re getting a lot for the high price. Delve deeper into the features offered to come to a conclusion regarding the value offered.

These are studio grade earbuds that come with triple armature speakers. The design directs the lows, mids, and highs to separate speakers allowing you to hear every layer of audio. The audiophiles among you will appreciate the sophistication of the audio that’s delivered here. Additionally, a 3D soundstage is added that allows you to have an immersive experience.

The frequency range of 10-20KHz isn’t the most impressive in the marketplace, but it’s the way that each frequency is delivered that’s impressive with the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi earbuds. Also the noise isolation helps block out ambient sounds up to 26 decibels. This might not do enough in the noisiest of environments, but is good enough for most uses while outdoors.

Long wearing comfort is ensured due to the ergonomic design and choice of eartips. The eartips come in different shapes and sizes, which helps contribute to the noise isolation. You also have a choice between foam and silicone materials to give you the feeling that best matches your preferences.

Before adding the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi earbuds to the shopping cart consider a few of the drawbacks that you have to overcome. Firstly, the price is very steep so you’ll need to decide if the features are worth it. Also the earpieces are big so some buyers might have issues with the fit.

To conclude, the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi earbuds are a solid premium choice if you have a big budget. The sophisticated design of the audio drivers, choice of eartips, and premium use of materials means you’ll enjoy using these on a daily basis for a long time to come.

The Shure SE425-CL earbuds pack a powerful punch at a premium price that offers something special to the marketplace. The clear design doesn’t look flashy or visually pleasing, but under there hood a bunch of amazing technology is added to deliver amazing audio. Take the time to carefully read about the features to figure out if these Shure wired earbuds are the logical choice for you.

Two Hi De audio drivers are used, for the tweeter and woofer, to deliver accurate and natural audio that justifies the price. The frequency range of 20-19KHz isn’t the best of what’s available, but each note is delivered at amazing accuracy levels.

Sound isolation of up to 37 decibels is implemented that significantly improves the audio quality. Outside noise will not interfere with your music unless very loud sounds can be heard such as a police siren or car horn.

The detachable cable design means these earbuds are compatible with all devices. You can switch between 3.5mm, USB-C, Lightening, and even Bluetooth. Therefore, these might be the last earbuds that you need to buy for every use.

Take a few moments to consider a few of the Shure SE425-CL drawbacks before adding these earbuds to the shopping cart. The bass quality here is weak compared with alternatives because audio clarity is preferred with the design. Also, the visual aesthetics are not attractive when opting for the clear version.

To summarize, the Shure SE425-CL earbuds offer a nice blend of comfort ergonomics and audiophile grade audio. These are a good purchase for the audiophiles among you that can appreciate sophisticated audio.

The Etymotic Research ER4P-T earbuds are a great choice for audio enthusiasts that are looking for extra performance and are not hesitant about paying extra. These are a sophisticated pair of earbuds that bring a lot of value to the table for the asking price. They are an upgrade over the majority of the marketplace so take the time to fully appreciate the technology that’s implemented here.

Etymotic is a brand that’s innovate with over 100 patents and pioneering technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the earbud marketplace. The high frequency design means these are ideal for recording in the studio, which is rare as that task is mostly accomplished with over-ear headphones.

A portable travel case is included that allows you to store the different eartips and adapters. The sturdy case will protect the earbuds and accessories while traveling allowing you to take these without fear of damage.

The frequency response of 20-16KHz might seem low, but each note is delivered with such accuracy that you won’t notice any drawbacks with the audio quality. An immersive audio experience can be achieved for any music genre.

There are a few drawbacks to consider before taking the step to purchase the Etymotic Research ER4P-T earbuds. Firstly, the earbuds don’t have very strong bass as the focus here is on accurate audio reproduction for professionals. Also the fit can be fiddly for some so you’ll need time getting used to them.

To conclude, the Etymotic Research ER4P-T earbuds are ideal for audiophiles that have high demands in the audio quality category. You’ll love the portable carrying case and the variety of eartips that helps you get a good fit. However, these are expensive earbuds so you’ll need to decide if the features offered here match your requirements.

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